What the Sears Shop Your Way card does

The Sears Shop Your Way card is a store credit card issued by Comenity Bank that you can use at Sears and Kmart locations, both in-store and online. It earns rewards points on purchases, which convert to certificates you can spend on future shopping. The card carries an annual percentage rate (APR) that varies based on your creditworthiness, and it has no annual fee.

Unlike a general-purpose credit card, this card works only at Sears and Kmart — you cannot use it at other retailers. The main appeal is the rewards structure: you accumulate points faster at Sears and Kmart than you would earn cash back at other stores, and the points have a clear redemption path through the Shop Your Way loyalty program.

Key Takeaways

  • The Shop Your Way card earns points on every purchase at Sears and Kmart, with bonus point events throughout the year that can double or triple your earning rate.
  • Points convert to Shop Your Way certificates that you redeem for discounts on future purchases, not cash back.
  • The card carries an APR that depends on your credit score; Comenity Bank sets the rate when you open the account.
  • You can manage your account online through the Sears website or the Shop Your Way app, where you can track points and view your balance.
  • The card is only useful if you shop regularly at Sears or Kmart, since you cannot use it elsewhere and the rewards are store-specific.

How points and rewards work

Every dollar you spend on the card earns points in the Shop Your Way program. The base earning rate is typically 1 point per dollar, though Sears runs frequent promotions that increase this — common offers include 5 points per dollar on specific categories or 10 points per dollar during holiday weekends. These bonus events are announced through email, the Shop Your Way app, and in-store signage.

Points accumulate in your Shop Your Way account and convert to certificates automatically once you reach certain thresholds. A typical conversion is 100 points equals a $5 certificate, though the exact ratio can shift based on current promotions. You then use these certificates at checkout to reduce your total purchase price. Unlike cash back, which lands in your bank account, certificates only work at Sears and Kmart.

The Shop Your Way program also offers member-only sales and early access to clearance events, which are separate from the card's point earning. If you hold the credit card, you automatically get Shop Your Way membership, so you see these deals whether or not you use the card to pay.

Interest rates and fees

The APR on the Shop Your Way card is not fixed — it depends on your credit history and the current market rate when you open the account. Comenity Bank will tell you the specific rate before you complete the process. Rates typically range from the mid-teens to the mid-20s percentage, though the exact number varies by applicant.

There is no annual fee to hold the card. If you carry a balance month to month, you will pay interest on that balance at your assigned APR. Introductory APR offers (0% for a set period) are not standard on this card, so plan to pay interest when ready if you do not pay your full statement balance by the due date.

Late payments trigger a late fee, and missed payments are reported to credit bureaus, which can lower your credit score. Comenity Bank's standard late fee is typically $25 to $35 for the first late payment and higher for subsequent ones, though the exact amount is in your cardholder agreement.

When the Shop Your Way card makes sense

This card is most useful if you shop at Sears or Kmart multiple times per year and spend enough to accumulate meaningful rewards. If you visit these stores monthly and spend $100 or more per trip, the points add up quickly enough that the certificates offset some of your spending. During bonus point events, the value improves further.

The card is less useful if you shop at Sears or Kmart only occasionally or if you prefer to spread your spending across multiple retailers. Since you cannot use the card outside these two stores, you would need a separate card for other purchases, which means managing multiple accounts and missing out on rewards at other retailers.

If you carry a balance regularly, the APR matters more than the rewards. A 20% APR on a $500 balance costs you roughly $100 per year in interest — far more than the points you would earn on that same $500 in spending. In this case, a card with a lower APR or an introductory 0% period would save you money despite earning fewer rewards.

How to manage your account

You can view your balance, points total, and available certificates through the Sears website or the Shop Your Way mobile app. Both platforms let you check your recent transactions, set up automatic payments, and update your contact information. You can also call Comenity Bank's customer service number, which is on the back of your card.

Payments can be made online, by phone, or by mail. Online and phone payments typically post within one business day, while mailed checks take 7 to 10 days. Setting up automatic payments ensures you never miss a due date, which protects your credit score and avoids late fees.

If you notice unauthorized charges or suspect fraud, contact Comenity Bank when ready. The card includes fraud protection, and you are not responsible for fraudulent charges once you report them, though the process can take 30 to 60 days to resolve.

Comparing the Shop Your Way card to other options

If you shop at multiple department stores, a general-purpose rewards card (like a cash back card from a bank or credit union) may serve you better. These cards work everywhere and typically earn 1% to 2% cash back, which you can use for any purchase. The Shop Your Way card earns points faster at Sears and Kmart but only at those two stores.

If you have a lower credit score, the Shop Your Way card may be easier to open than a premium rewards card, since store cards sometimes have more lenient approval standards. However, this also means the APR may be higher, so compare the interest cost against the rewards value before explore.

If you are building credit, any credit card — including this one — can help, as long as you pay on time and keep your balance low. The Shop Your Way card reports to all three credit bureaus, so responsible use shows up on your credit report and can improve your score over time.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use the Shop Your Way card online at Sears.com?

Yes. The card works for online purchases at Sears.com and the Kmart website, and you earn points the same way you do in-store. You can also use it to pay for Sears services like appliance delivery or installation.

What happens to my points if I close the card?

Points remain in your Shop Your Way account even after you close the card, as long as you have activity in the program within the past 12 months. If your account goes inactive for more than a year, points may expire. Check your cardholder agreement or contact Comenity Bank for the exact inactivity policy.

Do I earn points on returns?

No. When you return an item, the points from that purchase are reversed. If you used a certificate to pay for part of the purchase, the certificate value is also reversed and returned to your account.

Is there a credit limit on the Shop Your Way card?

Yes. Comenity Bank assigns a credit limit based on your credit score and income when you open the account. You can request a limit increase after you have held the card for several months and made on-time payments. Your current limit is shown in your online account.

Can I transfer my Shop Your Way points to another program?

No. Points only convert to Shop Your Way certificates and can only be redeemed at Sears or Kmart. You cannot transfer them to airline miles, hotel programs, or other loyalty schemes.